The first year of college marks one of the biggest transitions in life that one can endure, and despite the advice I received regarding sporting events, rushing, or academics, I never imagined all the little things that I learned in just the first year.
These ten things helped me power through this school year, and here is what I learned...
1. To Prioritize Time
With a newly abnormal amount of free time, as well as freedom, it is hard to keep a sharp focus on things. With new friends, and new places to go, there is always something to do, but by the end, this first semester has definitely taught me to balance and prioritize my schedule.
2. Avoid the 8 AM's
Following the completion of this semester, I really grew an appreciation for the amount of sleep I have acquired over the past three months. I can't even begin to fathom the fact that in high school, I was leaving the house for school everyday at seven A.M. Now, even a 10 A.M. class seems to be a struggle. I have learned to try to avoid the 8 A.M.'s for the sake of my attendance to class, and most importantly- my sanity.
3. Facebook Is Back
I wish I knew this before my new friends uncovered my old Facebook pictures from my "awkward stage", but Facebook is back, and I learned the hard way.
4. To Go Outside My Comfort Zone
In a new environment, the key to my success has been stepping outside my comfort zone and getting to know the people around me. Whether it was through making friends on my floor, or rushing a sorority, I am glad that I learned to push myself- it makes college that much better!
5. Game Day Requires Dedication
Game day is the only exception to my need for sleep- I have learned that tailgates begin before the sun even rises. Nothing beats waking up at 7 for that game at noon and sleeping the entire afternoon... Spartans Will!
6. How To Survive Without A Car
I was never really worried about this missing component to my first year of college, but I was very mistaken by the time classes began. However, I adjusted quickly by taking the bus, walking, or riding my bike, and now the absence of my car is something that I have learned to embrace about school
7. To ALWAYS Check My Email
Nothing is worse than walking thirty minutes to class to find out my professor has cancelled our lecture. This experience, as well as a few others, has turned me into a complete spazz when it comes to checking my email.
8. Rain Is Now An Obstacle
When it takes twenty to thirty minutes to walk to class- rain is a literal game changer. Without a car, the rain literally mocks me as I debate whether or not I should make the hike to class. In the end, I grab my umbrella and endure the weather anyways, it is something I have learned to accept.
9. Uber Saves Lifes
When I have had a long night in heels, or I am across campus in the freezing weather, there is no chance I am waking home- and that is where I have learned that Uber comes in handy. I never knew the importance of having it until I got to school, and now, it is something I use on a regular basis.
10. To Double Check Everything
Did I lock the door? Double check. Did I actually submit the assignment? Double check. And to be honest- nine times out of ten, that double check saves me.
